ARSENAL’S League Cup clash with Fleetwood was STOPPED because of a drone.

Just two minutes into the game at Highbury Stadium referee Michael Salisbury stopped play because he had spotted a drone flying above the pitch.

He was seen waiting around while players kicked the ball between themselves as they waited for the drone to disappear.

Five minutes after it first appeared it had not yet flown away and after a discussion with the managers, Salisbury gestured for the players to come into the dressing rooms.

Another two minutes later the operator of the drone was located by police and play was promptly resumed.

The FA’s website tells match officials to stop play in the event of a drone sighting.

It says: “The use of drones is becoming ever more present in sports settings and particularly at football matches, with some examples from recent seasons in the England professional game.

“The following guidance is predominantly for Match Officials, but is also relevant to players, coaches/ managers, parents, spectators and club officials:

• “Upon the sighting of a drone above a football pitch/ stadium, the Referee should stop the game and advise both team captains and managers that play will not continue until the drone has passed, or left the vicinity of the players and spectators. Where appropriate speak to the safety officer of the home team to take their advice on the matter.
• “If the drone is not passing or appearing to leave, where possible the Referee should advise both teams to return to the changing room, similar to if there was lightning. At grounds where this is not possible (open playing fields, public parks etc.), the Referee continues to wait until the drone has left.
• “It is not within a Match Officials remit to dictate where a drone can/cannot be flown.
• “Where drones are used for filming and media purposes, the drone must not fly above the playing area once players have entered the field of play to warm-up and until the players leave post-match having cooled down.”

Footage of the drone was picked up on Sky Sports, who also showed the ref pointing to the sky at one point when he was seemingly asked what the stoppage was for.

Tonight’s fourth round clash is the first time Fleetwood have played at this stage of the Carabao Cup.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

But they showed no signs of being daunted by facing the Premier League champions as they took the lead after 21 minutes – prompting red flare smoke to fill the stadium.

Arsenal are two-time winners of the competition but lost in last year’s final.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun.